2. Stan Getz Boppers: “Fast” (The Complete Savoy Recordings; Savoy Jazz, 2002 [originally recorded May 2, 1949])

In the Herman band, Getz had become known as one of the “Four Brothers” of the saxophone (along with Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, and Jimmy Giuffre), and all except Giuffre joined him on “Fast.” The record demonstrates two things. First, that the cool-toned Getz was as capable of bebop’s breakneck velocities as any saxophonist of the era. Second, that those velocities—and his abilities to meet them—would not stop him from injecting his easy, laid-back temperament into the music. Even when his attack escalates into a fairly intense battle with trombonist Earl Swope at the end of the tune, one can’t ever suggest that Getz becomes anything like “hot-headed.”

Learn ore about The Complete Savoy Recordings on Amazon.